tuxedo -- Lemon thyme is one of those herbs that doesn't always produce true from seed -- ie, it's possible to grow lemon thyme from seed, but its not at all uncommon for the seedlings to show a great deal of variation from the original plant. Most lemon thyme is propagated vegetatively -- usually by root division.

From too far a distance to say with any kind of certainty, the form reminds me of some cultivars of Magnolia grandiflora. But rather sparsely clothed magnolias :-)

It would be helpful to know the apple type, what part of the country you‘re in and how far in the growing season you are. Without that, I’m almost positive that’s fireblight. I grow about 50 different apples and those pictures look just like what I deal with every year. The best thing you can do is cut it out and dispose of it as quickly as possible. It doesn’t look so bad now as it almost looks like it may have corked off in newer wood.

Hmm, I suppose with all the spruce and pines dying bc of the drought here, there may be an increase in numbers. Thanks again.